The vivid description of the scene outside the wine shop and its foreshadowing
The characterization of Monseiur and Madame Defarge
The significance of Madame Defarge's knitting?
The use of the name "Jacques" - purpose/effect?
Chapter 6
Madame Defarge and how much she 'sees'
The captive state of Dr. Manette and his characterization
The more melodramatic descriptions and scenes in this chapter - around whom do they center?
The connection between and among all the characters up to this point
BOOK THE SECOND
Chapter 1
The description of Tellson's Bank
Mr. Cruncher's night-time job and his description. How is it both comic and consistent w/ Dickens' attack on social conditions?
Cruncher's relationship with his wife; her 'flopping'
The resemblance between Mr. Cruncher and Young Jerry
Chapter 2
Dickens' criticism of Old Bailey and Bedlam
Cruncher's reaction to the charge of treason and the possible sentence of 'drawing and quartering'
The courtroom atmosphere and view of the accused, Charles Darnay
The changed impression of Dr. Manette
Chapter 3
How Mr. Attorney-General's case is portrayed
How Stryver manages to discredit the witnesses for the prosecution
The "buzzing of blue flies"
The name of the chapter and its significance
Chapter 4
The characterization of Sydney Carton
The interaction between Carton and Darnay
Chapter 5
What is the relationship between the so-called Jackal and Lion?
Consider both the indirect and direct characterization that Dickens uses with both Carton and Stryver.
Look up a jackal if you do not know what it is, and analyze the metaphor Dickens draws.
Chapter 6
Why is Miss Pross jealous of Carton and Darnay?
How is the stare at on page 85 of chapter 4 (Manette to Darnay) repeated and augmented here?
What do the echoing steps foreshadow?
Chapter 7 *Note* "Monseigneur" and "Monsieur the Marquis" are two different people. "Monseigneur" is intended to be a general representation of the nobility, while "Monsieur the Marquis" is a specific individual.
Notice Dickens' heaping of verbally ironic sarcasm on Monseigneur, as well as its intent and effect.
What is the moral climate created by Monseigneur's guests?
How does the Marquis rationalize the accident?
How does Dickens connect Madame Defarge with the fates of classical mythology? Look at the accident scene through the end of the chapter.
Chapter 8
What does the setting sun on the Marquis' face suggest?
What accounts for the apathetic condition of the crops, the village, and its people?
Consider the irony of the Marquis' rudeness when he refers to the road-mender as "pig."
How does this chapter confirm a connection between Darnay and the Marquis?
Chapter 9
Look up, if you need to, the Gorgons of mythology. How does the title seem appropriate to the chapter?
Though closely related, how do the Marquis and his nephew from England radically differ?
What intentions does the Marquis imply he has towards Dr. Manette and to his nephew?
How does the note around the murder weapon explain why the Marquis was killed?
Why is the Marquis, uncle to Charles Darnay, actually his enemy?
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
BOOK THE SECOND
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
*Note* "Monseigneur" and "Monsieur the Marquis" are two different people. "Monseigneur" is intended to be a general representation of the nobility, while "Monsieur the Marquis" is a specific individual.
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
**Thank you to Philip V. Allingham, Contributing Editor, Victorian Web; Faculty of Education, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, for these questions. Accessed 5/5/10
http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/2cities/pva61.html